Breaking Through the Fog: How I Find Motivation When Life Feels Overwhelming

It’s Tuesday morning, and once again, I can’t seem to get myself out of bed. This has become a new routine for me — snoozing my alarm for at least an hour before I finally muster the willpower to count to three and jump out of bed. I even set my alarm an hour earlier just so I can account for this habit. But no matter how much I prepare, a feeling of dread washes over me as soon as I think about everything I need to do. It’s like my body shuts down, and staying under the covers feels like the only way to procrastinate just a little longer.

Ever since I stopped my ACL Physical therapy, I’ve been struggling to get back into my routine. I used to get up early, do my exercises, hop on the bike, do squats, and take my dog, Moxie, for a walk. But these days, even though I know these activities are good for my physical and mental health, they just seem… impossible. The bed always seems like the better option.

What is it about being overloaded with tasks that makes even the simplest things so difficult?

If you know me, you know I’m usually a highly self-motivated person. When I set my mind to something, I get it done. But lately, when my brain is overwhelmed with stress, my natural reaction has been to shut down. I find myself wasting time scrolling through my phone or watching meaningless YouTube videos. I convince myself that maybe, just maybe, after a little distraction, I’ll feel ready to tackle my to-do list. Spoiler alert: that’s never how it works.

It’s made me wonder: Is there a better way to motivate myself when life gets stressful?

The Paralysis of Stress

When life feels overwhelming, even the smallest tasks can seem monumental. Psychologists call this decision fatigue — when you’re so overloaded with tasks that your brain starts to short-circuit, making it difficult to make even basic decisions. The natural response? Avoidance. And I’ve certainly been there, thinking that staying in bed or wasting time online will make things easier. But of course, the longer I procrastinate, the more the tasks pile up, and the cycle of stress and avoidance just repeats itself.

The truth is, distraction doesn’t fix anything. It gives a false sense of relief but often leaves us feeling more drained, more anxious, and less motivated.

Why Typical Motivation Hacks Don’t Always Work

I’ve tried all the typical tricks to get motivated — promising myself rewards for completing tasks, or committing to those famous 21-day challenges to make habits stick. But for me, those tactics never seem to work. If I want the reward, I’ll just go out and buy it (it’s my money, after all), and if I stop a habit anytime after 21 days, I fall right back into old patterns.

Here’s the thing: I’ve realized that I’m what you’d call an analytical rebel. If someone tells me to do something I don’t feel is necessary at the moment, I’ll go out of my way not to do it. It’s not my best trait, but hey, I’m a work in progress. Like Hannah Montana said, “Nobody’s perfect!”

Finding a New Motivator: The Power of Writing

Recently, I discovered something that’s actually helping me stay motivated, and it’s exactly what I’m doing right now — writing. A few weeks ago, I challenged myself to write at least 1,000 words a day. For some, that might not seem like much, but for me, it’s huge. I’ve never been someone who enjoys writing, mainly because I never know where to start. But this challenge has given me the freedom to write about anything — whether it’s Bible characters, theology, technology, or even personal reflections like this one.

Surprisingly, this daily writing has done more than just fill a word count. It’s helping me process my emotions, dig deeper into my thoughts, and understand what’s going on in my life. Writing has become a way for me to analyze how I see the world, reflect on my experiences, and gain clarity on why I’m feeling stuck.

Each morning, when I sit down to write, I feel like my energy is being restored. As I type out my thoughts, express my emotions, and process my life, I find that the fog of stress starts to lift. It’s almost like God is using this practice to help me reconnect with myself — and with Him. Writing has become a way for me to move forward when everything else feels overwhelming.

Why Writing Works: Processing and Reflection

What I’ve learned from this writing journey is that it’s more than just a new habit — it’s a way to process what’s going on in my life. Writing forces me to slow down and face my emotions, instead of distracting myself from them. It’s become a form of reflection that’s helping me sort through the chaos in my mind.

Research even backs this up. Studies show that writing and journaling can help reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and boost emotional health. By getting our thoughts out of our heads and onto paper (or a screen), we’re able to better understand our feelings and find solutions to problems that seemed insurmountable. For me, this writing challenge is doing just that.

Reconnecting with God’s Plan

Another key to my motivation has been remembering that God has a plan, even when I feel stuck. I can still vividly recall a summer at a Tennessee youth camp when a guest speaker told me I was going to be a writer one day. At the time, I shrugged it off, but now, I find myself wondering if that prophecy is unfolding. I may not know where this writing journey will take me, but I do know that it’s helping me rediscover purpose.

I’ve come to realize that God created me — quirks, challenges, and all — for a reason. Whether this writing challenge is the beginning of something greater or just a season of growth, I’m learning to trust the process. It’s a reminder that even on the hardest days, God’s plan will move forward, and I’m grateful to wake up every day and partner with Him.

Finding Your Way Out of the Fog

We all have those days when getting out of bed feels impossible, and the to-do list seems overwhelming. But what I’ve learned is that finding new ways to motivate ourselves — whether through writing, reflection, or personal passions — can help us break through the fog.

Motivation isn’t about perfection or sticking to some rigid formula. It’s about processing, connecting with yourself, and trusting that God’s plan will unfold in His time. So, the next time you feel stuck, ask yourself: What can I do today that will help me process, connect with God, and move forward?

For me, that answer is writing. It may not be the answer forever, but for now, it’s helping me wake up, get moving, and find clarity again. And that’s a start.